The pace of change in Queensland’s mining sector since the last Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) is nothing short of remarkable. Attendees at the upcoming QME 2024 in Mackay on 23-25 July can expect an abundance of evidence that the sector is breaking through barriers to introduce transformative technology not even imagined just two years ago.

The major mining OEMs, led by Hastings Deering, Komatsu and Hitachi Construction Machinery, will be displaying their newest capabilities, with ground-breaking equipment that is set to become industry standard for efficiency and productivity on site.

As a long-term supporter and sponsor of QME, Hastings Deering will be showcasing Caterpillar’s new electric drive technology with the 988K XE Wheel Loader on-ground at this year’s event.

“With safety and efficiency front and centre of everything we do, we proudly partner with our customers to provide them with new and innovative machinery like the 988K XE Wheel Loader that will ultimately improve their operational productivity and profitability,” said Hastings Deering’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Scott.

Bigger and better than ever with a sold-out floor plan, all three pavilions and vast outdoor spaces will be packed with leading-edge concepts and problem-solving new practices and transformative plans to usher in the mine of the future. This includes the new Decarbonisation Zone, which will feature innovations on display from major suppliers like Komatsu, Parker, Earthtrack Group, FLSmidth, Commodore Australia and Unique Hire, Danfoss, Remote Energy and WEG.

Also exhibiting is longstanding Mackay-based underground specialist Mastermyne, including its Wilson Mining polymeric strata support business and Mynesight training businesses. Now with M Resources Group as its majority shareholder, Mastermyne has returned to its core focus of collaboratively partnering with coal mine owners to maximise value from their operations.

Jeff Whiteman, Mastermyne’s CEO, said “We are greatly looking forward to QME 2024 and the opportunity to show the industry that we are in a strong position to work with our clients to deliver results safely and efficiently through innovation and a positive culture.”

Previous QME attendees know that the exhibition is the most efficient way to see and be seen in the Queensland mining industry, making the most of a multitude of industry players, prospective customers and suppliers all under one roof, so to speak. But it’s not all business: QME kicks off with a networking welcome party and features the highly anticipated Queensland Mining Awards 2024 Presentation Gala Dinner.

Free registration to QME includes attendance to the exhibition and Komatsu Seminar Series. To save time for your team, register ahead of time at www.qmeexpo.com.au.

QME SEMINAR SERIES PREVIEW

Off the exhibition floor, visitors can stay ahead of mining developments and get attuned with the latest industry knowledge through QME’s free-to-attend Seminar Series sponsored by Komatsu.

The QME Seminar Series will look at the latest technological innovations and collaborative approaches to improve productivity and long term strategy for the mining sector. The very latest advances in technology and innovation across the mining value chain were addressed as well as specific technical developments to maintain the mine’s highest level of safety and reliability.

Mayor of the Mackay Regional Council, Greg Williamson, will deliver the opening remarks at the QME seminar series to kickstart three days of dynamic discussions, including keynote ministerial addresses, presentations from subject matter experts, and group panel discussions led by key industry leaders.

The carefully curated Seminar Series will highlight emerging trends, industry challenges, and innovative solutions across various topics. These sessions will cover the Future of Mining, Diversification, Critical Minerals, Smart Mining Technology, Clean Energy, Occupational Health and Safety, and Investment Outlook.

QME 2024 is gearing up to host an unparalleled gathering of experts from across the industry, boasting more than 70 industry speakers including government representatives, business leaders, corporate executives, industry personnel and educational experts. Throughout the three-day Seminar Series, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from The Hon Madeleine King (Minister for Resources & Minister for Northern Australia, Australian Government), The Hon Scott Stewart (Minister for Resources & Critical Minerals, Queensland Government), Dale Last (Shadow Minister for Natural Resources & Mines, Queensland Government), Janette Hewson (CEO, Queensland Resources Council), Warwick Agnew (Director-General, Department of Resources), Christine Gibbs-Stewart (CEO, Austmine), Craig Rapson (Global Business Development Director, Danfoss), Paul Flynn (Managing Director, Whitehaven Coal) and many, many more.

Here are just some of the sessions being showcased across all three days of the event. For more details, see the Seminar Series program available on the QME website.

Tuesday 23rd July

Keynote Ministerial Address: Fast-tracking the transition to critical minerals – milestones and opportunities

Presented by The Hon Madeleine King (Minister for Resources & Minister for Northern Australia, Australian Government)

Reimagining the mining landscape: exploiting new opportunities and steering through transformation

Presented by Dr Ross Lambie (Chief Economist, Minerals Council of Australia)

Panel discussion: Journey to net zero: are we there yet?

Presented by Matt Cooper (CEO, North Star Energy), Paul Harmsworth (Chief Technical Officer, Symmetry Solar),Paul Hodgson (Executive Director Regional Futures – Energy Transitions & Director, Research Division, CQUniversity), Grant Clements (Commercial Director – Low Emissions Investment Partnerships, Queensland Treasury)

Wednesday 24th July

Keynote Ministerial Address: Investing in Queensland’s resources future – where to next?

Presented by The Hon Scott Stewart (Minister for Resources & Critical Minerals, Queensland Government)

Assessing the mining potential of critical minerals as a clean energy source

Presented by Scott Winter (Managing Director & CEO, Critical Minerals Group)

Fostering innovation and skills in the mining and METs sector

Presented by Christine Gibbs-Stewart (CEO, AustMine)

Thursday 25th July

Ensuring community safety by eliminating or reducing hazards at abandoned mine sites

Presented by Dr Karin Fogarty (Project Manager, Technical Services, Georesources Division, Department of Resources)

Advances in smart mining: exploring the promise of zero entry mining and automation

Presented by Jeff Sterling (Director, Universal Field Robots (UFR))

Building collaboration across the traditional mining and emerging sectors

Presented by Steven Boxall (CEO, Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE))

To see the full seminar program please visit qmeexpo.com.au.